A touching plea for compassionate reform in the Indian Army’s next of kin policy that has just come up in the posthumous honour of Captain Anshuman Singh.
Nestled deep within India, among stories of valour and tales of relentless sacrifice that echo across the valleys and the mountains, emerges the tale of Captain Anshuman Singh, a true patriot the spirits of which had no bounds. But this narrative is more than the valour of a gallant soldier. It is an emotional appeal to reconsider the Next of Kin (NOK) policy of the Indian Army and to force a reform based on compassion.
Captain Anshuman Singh exemplified unwavering bravery and selflessness, embodying the true spirit of a patriot. An army medical officer, presuming he was one of the brave hearts in the treacherous terrains of Siachen. He had his date with destiny on early hours of morning in July 2023 when a fire that broke out in an ammunition dump in the Siachen Glacier area. AT 3 AM, the icy silence was shattered by crackling flames engulfing some fellow soldiers.
Without wasting a second, Captain Singh immediately rushed to the scene. He saved many of his soldiers amidst the heavy fire, suffocating smoke and choking smoke, and imminent danger of exploding ammunition. Tragically, fate ensnared him in a blazing fibre glass ammunition shelter which was his last act of bravery. He was posthumously bestowed with the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Captain Singh’s story parallels that of his wife, Smriti. They met on the first day of college, and love at first sight is what it was. Of the eight years, strengthened by long-distance calls, their marriage was supposed to last forever, but it only lasted five months after he gave away his life saving other fellow soldiers.
Smriti received the Kirti Chakra for the exemplary bravery shown by Captain Anshuman Singh in a solemn ceremony. Her tearful acceptance caught in a viral video was a powerful reminder of the personal loss behind national honour. It is reported that Smriti had changed her address in office records after his death and now stays separately from the parents of Captain Singh. She takes all of the entitlements, leaving only a photo of their son hanging on the wall for his parents.
As Captain Anshuman Singh’s sacrifice was honoured, his elderly parents found themselves estranged during the ceremony. Their son’s recent marriage overshadowed all accolades, leaving the parents emotionally wounded. It’s an emotional reminder of the sacrifice that the members of our armed forces make, jointly with their families. Yet, what should have been a moment of national pride and reverence for his unparalleled heroism was soon paralleled by a growing controversy surrounding the Indian Army’s “Next of Kin” (NOK) policy.
The Grievance of the Singh Family
Ravi Pratap Singh and Manju Singh described their pain in disagreement about the NOK policy of Indian Forces. The Singhs, who were left to their huge tragedy of loosing their son, debate on the NOK policy to be more empathetic which should take into account dependency along with the period marriage. Singhs argue that their son’s marriage lasted just five months with no off-spring, still they have been outcasted by the NOK policy. They believed the policy should be amended empathetically so that no other parent would suffer in the same way as they did and so that the benefits could be more properly shared and distributed.
The misery suffered by Captain Singh’s parents is immeasurable and soul-searing. Not only did they lose their dear son, but they lost all claims of his heritage and support that would have been theirs. Most expert psychologists argue that the current NOK policy may be very efficient administratively but has the potential for compounding the grief of parents who feel sidelined and forgotten. This kind of a policy can sharpen the sense of loss on the part of parents who feel ostracised from their child’s legacy and recognition of the sacrifice. This can make the parents feel that they are lost and thrown away from the legacy of their offspring. The agony of the Singhs and several other families resonate with each other in a similar crisis. Statements of these aggrieved families share the same message and implore in chorus an appeal for a kinder change that would still respect the soldiers’ sacrifice but is sensitive to their feelings as the parents who have birthed them into this world.
Appeals for Reevaluation
As we pay homage to this heroic swan-song by Captain Anshuman Singh, it is equally important to heed voices from his bereaved family.
A cry for the change in NOK policy for inclusivity and sensitivity is not just for them to feel personally relieved, but of systemic overhaul—one that can give solace to countless other families of similar situations. This way, we not only uphold the dignity of our brave soldiers but also the sanctity of their families’ sacrifices. Policies such as the ‘next of kin’, often mention the spouse as the main receiver of benefits and honours following the death of a soldier. While this may be justified by the need to provide initial support to the spouse, but this very policy further runs the risk of marginalising the parents, who are also in deep grief. Cases such as that of Captain Anshuman Singh highlight the emotional and family tensions and call for policy reforms to make them more inclusive.
The public debate on NOK rules has revealed that this policy could bear the better and the more humane stance: while parties need to be notified administratively for vital decisions, it often fails to look into the human impact. The Singhs’ appeal for fixed criteria and a fair assessment of dependency resonates with other families who have faced similar challenges.
A Comparative Analysis of the NOK Policies of Different Countries
“Next of kin” means the nearest relations or legal representatives of the serviceman and to be paid ex-gratia amount and other benefits in an unfortunate case while serving in any force.
Normally, parents or guardians are named next of kin when a person gets enrolled. But by the rule of the Army, after a person gets married, the spouse’s name bypasses the parents’ name to become next of kin. This policy standardises the procedure but in many ways does so without considering the fine nuances of family structures and hierarchies. Although the fundamental objective of NOK policies in all countries across the globe is maintaining the same to say providing monetary along with moral assistant to the families of the soldiers, the implementation varies significantly across countries. In the United Kingdom (UK), the NOK policy dictates that either the girlfriends or the wives or parents get immediate information on the soldier’s injury or death. Financial support includes pensions, allowances, and housing assistance. In the US, the spouse is made the NOK after marriage. The spouse is entitled to receive shiner benefits and support. This policy suggests providing both financial and emotional support to that one who lost the service member. In Australia, parents are the NOK at first however, in case any soldier is married, the Australian Defence Force changes the NOK to the spouse. This assures the family of continued remuneration and the emotional bond. Internationally, NOK policies focus on the immediate family members, while the specifics depending on the nation’s legal imperative and cultural orientation.
Legal and Policy Recommendations
Critics might argue that a deviation or more elaborate NOK policy may lead to disputes among spouse and family members. But such anticipations about conflicts certainly outweigh the benefits of a compassionate approach. Any such disputes may be tackled by clear guidelines and a review board to ensure a fair treatment without overwhelming administrative processes.
The limitations of the current NOK policy requires a thoughtful compassionate reformation. The Policy makers should consider certain specific recommendations including-
- Dependency Clause— Factors of financial dependence and length of marriages should be considered to avoid disputes in cases like that of Captain Anshuman Singh.
- Establishing a Review Board- A board to review NOK cases to provide a means of accountability and help to ensure more equitable and humane outcome.
- Providing Counselling and Support Services- Provision of such services to all bereaved families, not just the categorised NOK’s, helps them to work through the emotional and psychological impact of their loss.
At this point of time, the Indian Army is struggling with this glaring issue highlighting an urgent need for more balanced NOK policy which is administrative efficiency along with being compassionate towards all immediate relatives. A relook at the NOK policy will guarantee that families of martyrs will receive what they deserve, with minimum hardship. Captain Anshuman Singh’s sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing these issues promptly and empathetically.
Captain Anshuman Singh’s case highlights the urgent need for flexibility in NOK policies. These policies need to recognise that the parents of martyrs also need emotional, financial and psychological support especially in the tantrum of social structuring and family bondings in India. While well-intentioned, these policies should recognise the emotional and psychological support that parents of martyred soldiers require. Strained relationships between spouses and in-laws can create tensions, emphasising the importance of thoughtful reforms. Tensions between spouses and in-laws, as a result of strained relationships, definitely need thoughtful reformation of the policy. In summary, NOK policies aim to honour sacrifices and provide essential support, but adapting them to diverse family dynamics remains an ongoing challenge. And the sacrifice of Captain Anshuman Singh puts a sad exclamation mark behind it.
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